Dodger Stadium guide | Itinerant Fan (2024)

By Edward de la Fuente

Our guide to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles includes information on events, tickets, parking, public transportation, nearby hotels and restaurants, seating, bag policy and more. Read on to find out how to get the most out of your gameday experience.

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If there’s a ranking out there for most romantic ballparks in Major League Baseball, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles has to be at or near the top of the list, with an experience that can be considered quintessentially Californian from start to finish.

Perched on the hills overlooking downtown Los Angeles yet nestled neatly into Chavez Ravine (a SoCal topography term that wouldn’t be well known outside the L.A. area if not for the ballpark), the home of the Dodgers offers fans more than just a chance to watch big-league ball.

It’s a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of a major metropolis without leaving the city limits, relax with a beer and a Dodger Dog and enjoy the national pastime, as well as a terrific view beyond the outfield bleachers.

Perhaps it’s SoCal bias because we grew up in L.A., but for our money there’s no better setting in all of MLB than a game in the daytime at Dodger Stadium. Note the caveat: In the daytime. Once the sun goes down you lose the terrific view of the mountains from beyond the outfield pavilions, and under artificial lights, the stadium starts to show its age. Under the sun, and with the brightly colored seats, you get a view that frankly is unique among ballparks.

The scenery, though, is just one of the reasons why the park winds up on the must-visit lists of so many traveling sports fans. Though it’s more than 50 years old now, it’s been spiffed up a bit over the last few seasons and is becoming even more fan-friendly than it used to be.

And between the home team finally winning the World Series in 2020 and getting set to host the MLB All-Star Game in 2022 (an event delayed from 2020 because of the pandemic), Dodger Stadium will remain at the forefront of the baseball landscape for a while.

A set of renovations unveiled for the 2021 season gave the experience a nice refresh as well.

Looking for Dodger Stadium event tickets? Search events on Ticketmaster.

Contents hide

1Getting to Dodger Stadium

1.1Parking at Dodger Stadium

1.2Los Angeles hotels near Dodger Stadium

2Map of Elysian Park, Los Angeles

3Things to do around Dodger Stadium

3.1Los Angeles restaurants near the stadium

4Watching a game at Dodger Stadium

4.1Food and drink at Dodger Stadium

4.2Dodger Stadium bag and food policy

Dodger Stadium guide | Itinerant Fan (1)

Getting to Dodger Stadium

If you’re attending an event at Dodger Stadium, as it is for just about anything you want to do in L.A., you’re probably driving. The stadium’s location in the hills, which provides that wonderful scenery, also presents a disadvantage in that there are a limited number of access roads, and as game time approaches (and after the game as well) they’re all crowded.

The most direct route is via the adjacent 110 Freeway, which runs just east of the stadium and has a northbound exit clearly marked “Dodger Stadium” — just follow the route and it leads directly into the parking lot. If you’re coming from other directions, namely Interstate 5 that runs north of the stadium, look for Stadium Way, which wraps around the ballpark grounds and has ample signage to lead you inside.

There is one major alternative to driving: L.A.’s Metro runs a “Dodger Stadium Express” bus that runs from Union Station to the stadium via dedicated lanes on Sunset Boulevard.

It’s fairly popular, especially if you’re trying to get to the stadium from points outside downtown (Union Station is an easy destination to reach via rail or bus) and typically runs smoothly before games, though the lines to board a bus afterward can get frustratingly long.

Parking at Dodger Stadium

If you’re coming from the west, get yourself to Sunset Boulevard and follow it to Vin Scully Avenue (rebranded from Elysian Park Avenue in 2016 as a tribute to the Dodgers’ famed broadcaster), which will lead into the Dodger Stadium parking lot. Click on the link for a map of Dodger Stadium parking lot entrances.

As of the 2023 season it cost $27 for general admission parking at Dodger Stadium. Patrons are required to purchase parking in advance or buy at the gate using a credit card; cash is not accepted.

Los Angeles hotels near Dodger Stadium

Super 8 by Wyndham Los Angeles Downtown – 0.6 miles away
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel – 1.6 miles away
The L.A. Grand Hotel Downtown – 1.6 miles away
Search for more Los Angeles hotels on Booking.com.

Map of Elysian Park, Los Angeles

Things to do around Dodger Stadium

Well, if you’ve already paid the money to park, it’s too late to do anything else but go into Dodger Stadium. Before, about the only thing you can do besides that is head to the top of the hill and take a few pics of downtown L.A., but the outfield renovations should change this at least to some degree.

Most Dodger fans know that if they intend to do something before the game, they do it somewhere else and plan it out before they leave. There are a few spots to choose from — downtown, Echo Park and Silver Lake (quite a few cool bars and eateries if you know where you’re going) and Little Tokyo are all nearby.

Many fans are also fond of making pit stops at Philippe the Original, which lays claim to having invented the French dip sandwich, on their way to a game (Philippe’s, as well as the Chinatown district that it’s in, is within walking distance of the stadium — if you don’t mind walking mostly uphill).

For more info, check out our post on 8 great places to eat before a Dodger game. Really, L.A. is your oyster, but if you’ve never been to Dodger Stadium before, you do still want to reserve some time to get in and check out the scene.

For more on visiting Los Angeles, check out our Los Angeles sports travel guide.

Los Angeles restaurants near the stadium

Guisado’s – Mexican, 0.6 miles away
Howlin’ Ray’s – fried chicken, 0.9 miles away
Philippe the Original – sandwiches, 1.6 miles away
Search for more Los Angeles restaurants on Tripadvisor.

Dodger Stadium guide | Itinerant Fan (2)

Watching a game at Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium is different from most other stadiums and arenas in that you’re compelled to find your appropriate seating level before you enter, as opposed to going in at any entrance you please and then taking an escalator to wherever you need to go.

The layout can severely limit you in terms of taking all that Dodger Stadium has to offer — unless you’re OK with walking up and down steps over and over, you can’t easily go from seating level to seating level unless you find the bank of escalators behind home plate, and even then there’s really no incentive to do so.

This, fortunately, has changed in recent years with the addition of “bullpen overlooks” — bars in left and right field that connect the field-level concourse with the outfield pavilions that have become popular hangouts for fans before and during Dodger Stadium events.

And the new center field plaza has really changed the stadium experience in that, for the first time, Dodger Stadium has a true “front door.” Any fan can enter through the center field gates and check out the plaza, which includes mementos from the franchise’s long history, the ballpark’s largest team store, new concessions options such as a Shake Shack, and a kids’ play area underneath the center-field batter’s eye.

The outfield pavilion seating areas, with their familiar zigzag overhangs, also got a makeover to better integrate them with the Dodger Stadium event experience. Once somewhat segregated from the rest of the ballpark, they’re now accessible to any fan via a new concourse that wraps behind the bleachers, called the Boardwalk.

Still, it can get confusing trying to move from level to level, with enclosed staircases and escalators along the stadium perimeter being your primary options.

There’s no such thing as bad seating at Dodger Stadium (though the upper reaches of the reserved level and the top deck might be a little high for a lot of folks’ tastes), even despite a few subtle changes in configuration over the years.

The loge level (the second level, or orange seats), in our opinion, provide the best balance in value vs. view at Dodger Stadium — great views of the playing field and opportunities to catch foul balls, yet the seating areas aren’t as insanely expensive as field-level.

Interested in a suite at Dodger Stadium? Buy suite tickets on SuiteHop.

Food and drink at Dodger Stadium

In the past we’ve thought the food selection at Dodger Stadium was generally bland — Dodger dogs, of course, but also fast food-type stands, soft-serve ice cream and so on. The food has improved over the last few seasons, though, with things like loaded fries and nachos and fried chicken among the items worth looking out for.

Super-sized items served in plastic Dodgers helmets are very popular. Look for chicken tenders and fries, loaded nachos and garlic fries served in this manner.

You’ll also find your best selection in the outfield plaza, with a taqueria, BBQ stand, Dunkin’ Donuts (serving coffee only) and Shake Shack among the options. There’s plenty of seating and a big screen showing the game.

Dodger Dogs, like a lot of the ballpark hot dogs around baseball, are a bit of a polarizing subject in that people either are fiercely devoted to them or despise them, with seemingly no middle ground. Don’t take a side until you try one first!

Among the beer choices at Dodger Stadium are brews from locally based Golden Road and Santa Monica Brew Works. Golden Road produces a Dodgers Blonde ale that is sold at the stadium.

Dodger Stadium bag and food policy

Per policy, approved bags for entry into Dodger Stadium must measure 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches or smaller, must be single-compartment, and must be clear, like those permitted in NFL stadiums. Non-clear fanny packs and clutches are also allowed, as long as they are no larger than 5 inches by 8 inches by 2 inches.

Oversized bags such as suitcases, backpacks and large purses will not be allowed into Dodger Stadium, per stadium policy.

Fans are allowed to bring food into Dodger Stadium, as long as they are meant for individual consumption and wrapped, bagged or placed inside a soft-sided container. The stadium bag and food policy also allows fans to bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle of up to one liter in size.

Bags will be inspected by security at the entry gates to Dodger Stadium, and patrons carrying any bags that don’t comply with stadium policy will be denied entry.

Original publish date: February 4, 2016
Most recent update: February 18, 2024

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FAQs

How early should I arrive for the Dodgers game? ›

Parking gates open 2.5 hours before game time. Stadium gates open 2 hours before game time.

How to meet Dodgers players before a game? ›

Watch Dodgers Batting Practice or Warm Ups

Make it a Dodger Day and book a Dodger Stadium tour before the game! Beat the crowds and hang out with the tour team in the pavilions at Blue Heaven on Earth while watching the Dodgers take batting practice and/or warm-up on the field.

Does everyone get a bobblehead at Dodgers stadium? ›

According to the Dodgers, promotional items like the bobblehead are limited to around 40,000 units. With more than 40,000 fans expected at Wednesday night's game, some fans will likely go home empty-handed.

Can I bring a water bottle to Dodgers stadium? ›

Outside non-alcoholic beverages, such as water, soda, tea, juice, etc. of one liter or less, contained in factory-sealed plastic bottles, are permitted to be brought into Dodger Stadium. Refillable water bottles are permitted provided they do not exceed 1 liter, are empty, and do not have any glass components.

Can you take snacks to a Dodgers game? ›

Food is permitted from outside the stadium provided it is in a clear bag smaller than 12"X12"X6" and not in glass bottles, cans, coolers, glass containers or thermoses. Unbroken, factory-sealed plastic bottles of non-alcoholic beverages of 1 liter or less are permitted.

Is Dodgers stadium still cashless? ›

Dodger Stadium is a fully cashless facility. As of the 2023 season, there are five Cash-to-Card kiosks available on the stadium concourses. The kiosks convert cash to prepaid debit cards which can be used anywhere inside and outside of Dodger Stadium.

How much is a soda at Dodgers stadium? ›

Price for a soft drink in Major League Baseball in 2023, by team (in U.S. dollars)
CharacteristicSoft drink price in U.S. dollars
Cincinnati Reds7.49
New York Mets6.75
San Diego Padres6.5
Los Angeles Dodgers6.5
9 more rows
Sep 21, 2023

How much is a beer at the Dodgers stadium? ›

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the most expensive beer at 99 cents per ounce for 16-ounce cans, which cost $15.99. Beer at Dodger Stadium cost 30 cents more per ounce than any other team.

How to get autographs from baseball players? ›

Even the most famous athletes will spend 5-10 minutes before and after practices and games to sign autographs. These are the four best times to get signatures during a typical game day. Ideally, you would hang out around the clubhouse and catch them walking to and from the practice field or stadium.

Can you watch batting practice at Dodgers Stadium? ›

Get on the field for an exclusive opportunity to watch the Dodgers swing for the fences during batting practice and pregame warm-ups.

What to wear to a Dodgers game? ›

Basic Essentials:
  • Bottoms: Blue shorts or pants are the classic Dodgers attire. For cooler evenings, consider long pants or even jeans.
  • Tops: A Dodgers jersey is the ultimate game-day outfit. Choose your favorite player or go for a vintage design. ...
  • Shoes: Opt for comfortable shoes like sneakers or athletic shoes.
May 15, 2024

What is the 76 at Dodger Stadium? ›

The 76 ball is also a landmark at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where the only gas station on the premises of a major league ballpark is visible from the park beyond the outfield stands.

How do I get a free Jumbo Jack Dodgers? ›

If Dodgers' pitching can strike out seven or more opposing batters in a game, the following day, any Dodgers fan can go to a participating location and get a free Jumbo Jack with the purchase of a large drink.

Can you wear a fanny pack to Dodgers Stadium? ›

Prohibited bags include but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, briefcases, backpacks, cinch bags, and fanny packs that are not clear and/or exceed the size restriction; luggage of any kind; computer bags/cases; camera bags/cases; binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than the permissible size.

How long before a baseball game should I arrive? ›

Getting there at least one hour early is wise. You could see batting practice, get autographs, and feel the crowd's growing buzz.

What time does the Dodger shuttle start? ›

Service starts 90 minutes before game time through the end of the 2nd inning for all home games. For details, visit: Dodger Stadium Express – LA Metro.

How many hours does a Dodger game last? ›

Dodgers games during 2022 spring training averaged two hours, 58 minutes, with eight of the 18 games lasting at least three hours. This spring, Dodgers games averaged two hours, 37 minutes, and only three of 30 games lasted three hours.

Can you watch Dodgers batting practice? ›

VIP Tour. Get on the field for an exclusive opportunity to watch the Dodgers swing for the fences during batting practice and pregame warm-ups. This tour includes everything in the Pregame Tour, and all VIP guests will also receive a one-of-a-kind gift bag on top of early access to Dodger Stadium.

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